Dillon’s Thompson Named Mr. Football 2023

Ian Guerin December 9, 2023 @ 01:59 PM

MYRTLE BEACH | Kelvin Roller has said time and again the [player_tooltip player_id='139295' first='Josiah' last='Thompson'] would leave Dillon as the most recruited athlete the school has ever had.   While Thompson's college potential was locked in when he verbally committed to South Carolina over the summer, his trophy was is now a little more full.   During halftime of Saturday's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl, Thompson was named Mr. Football 2023.   “Dillon has a great history,” Thompson said. “For me, looking back, I can look at this moment and know I left something at Dillon. I left my mark at Dillon. I'm grateful that I could be that player.”   He was everything Roller could have asked for out of the left tackle position.   In three seasons as the starter there (he was a reserved during his freshman year), the 6-foot-7, 290-pound Thompson did not allow a single sack. He paved the way for multiple 1,000-yard rushers and an offense that ran for 2,955 yards in just 12 games this season.   The Wildcats won three straight Region VII-3A championships, not losing a region game during his final three seasons, and Dillon was a top-10 team in the state media poll throughout his tenure.   Getting named to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas felt like an obvious choice.   And few batted an eye when his name was announced as a finalist for Mr. Football back in October. Come January, when he enrolls at South Carolina, he'll have to find a place for that trophy, too.   Thompson beat out other finalists [player_tooltip player_id='1142430' first='Watson' last='Young'] (Daniel), [player_tooltip player_id='239076' first='Zion' last='Dobson'] (Hampton County), [player_tooltip player_id='267431' first='Avery' last='McFadden'] (Hillcrest) and [player_tooltip player_id='265222' first='Turbo' last='Richard'] (Northwestern). Each of the four brought something different to the table.   Young was a four-year starter - also at left tackle - for the Lions and helped Jeff Fruster's team to three state championships in the last four seasons. Dobson ran for 2,574 yards and 40 touchdowns this fall. McFadden ended his career with 54 total touchdowns, including 36 receiving. And Richard finished his career with 4,350 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns.    And yet, it was the South Carolina commitment to get the ultimate nod.   Thompson is the 11th Gamecock to win the honor and the ninth in the last 15 years. The award began in 1995.   While Dillon has had players in the mix before Thompson is the first Wildcat player to win it.    “It means a lot being one of those few who have actually won this award,” Thompson said. “It's a blessing from God. Without my coaches, without my teammates, without my family, I wouldn't be able to win this award.”

MYRTLE BEACH | Kelvin Roller has said time and again the Josiah Thompson Josiah Thompson 6'7" | 290 lbs | OL Dillon | 2024 State SC would leave Dillon as the most recruited athlete the school has ever had.